At first I thought these might be like Chanel Illusion D’Ombre or L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow. But they actually kinda fall into their very own category. They aren’t powder so you def can’t compare them to L’Oreal’s Infallible Eyeshadow Collection however, they are cream and do have some of the same spongy consistency as Chanel’s Illusion D’Ombre. I wouldn’t call them a spot on dupe for Chanel’s version but they do have very similiar characteristics.

The shadow formula has a spongy almost moldable consistency kinda like Maybelline’s Bouncy Blushes. When you touch them they kinda resemble molding clay although far softer and fluffier. The texture is a cross between a mousse and a denser cream eyeshadow. This makes for a very easy to apply and blend experience. I had absolutely no issues getting them onto my lid and smoothing them out perfectly. However, in order to achieve the best application you do need to get into the pot with your fingers as brushes simply won’t cut it. I realize this application method isn’t for everyone and I can relate however, I tried brushes and I got the smoothest, best finish using my fingertips.

Toast, Festivity, Soiree, and Gala

The really great thing about the shadows is the ease of application. You can go with a sheer layer of color or build these up for better color payoff. No matter how many layers you apply they always remain quite lightweight and have the knack for living on lids all damn day without creasing or fading. It’s almost as if E.L.F. has built a primer into the formula as I put them through some really great tests and they wore strong throughout the day with nary a crease in site. Pulled in all my Halloween decorations, put out all my Thanksgiving ones, pulled in all my patio and porch furniture, worked in the yard, etc….etc…and through it all my eyeshadow remained fresh. They even served well through a warm, sweaty club scene. I can’t believe they wore so strong!

They do have one issue that could make or break your purchase. The shimmer. Oh boy…! Each shadow has a healthy dose of sparkle so if sparkle really isn’t your thing you might feel like these are overloaded with it to the max. I kinda sorta felt comfortable wearing them as they didn’t look frosty or too overly disco ball like. But boy am I ever a bad judge when it comes to how much sparkle I should or shouldn’t be wearing…! I love it a little too much! But be warned they do have a healthy dose of it.

Unlike the Jumbo Eyeshadow Sticks I recently reviewed, I had no issues with these smelling badly. They contain 0.11 oz of product but for some reason I felt like I was going through them fairly fast. I used one shade three times in a week and proceeded to notice I was already touching pan. So you might want to grab a back up of your fav shade if you are ordering.

Overall, E.L.F. did an excellent job with these. They pack pigment, sparkle, an easy to blend formula, and a crease-free, fade-free finish. What more could you want from a cream eyeshadow? Don’t love cream shadows? These MIGHT just change your mind. The formula rocks at three dollars, now they really have to get on their game and create a wider selection of shades.

I like cream shadows, but I don’t wear them often enough, so they end up drying out. However, at $3 each, and the fact it’s easy to go through them, they may be worth a shot. So far, I’m loving the gold & purple. I’ll have to look for these!

Ooh, I’ll definitely have to look into these! Toast and Soiree look like lovely, easy all-over colors! I rarely take the time to put on eyeshadow unless it’s just a quick and easy all-over swipe of one color, so those definitely look like they could fit the bill.

These are actually quite beautiful–I’m very surprised at how amazing they seem for the price! I haven’t tried the Chanel Illusion d’Ombres partly because I just can’t see myself spending that kind of $ for such an intensely shimmery cream (essentially) shadow that I will probably only wear once in a blue moon. $3, however, is a totally different story. And all the shades are gorgeous!

I can understand why you can’t get a decent application with a brush with this formula, but have you tried a sponge-tip applicator? I wonder if that might work for those who don’t like the idea of using their fingers….

Are you willing to give that a try and report back? (Not that you don’t already have a “To Do” list a mile long)…..

That’s so awesome! I’m glad they don’t have a creasing problem like the jumbo eye sticks (I was so disappointed there T_T ) and the formula looks so interesting. Colors are very pretty hehe good thing I love shimmer. Shimmer ftw! Thanks for the review!

With that formula/texture, I’m really surprised that these didn’t crease! Stila used to have a fluffy-ish eyeshadow… These ELF ones kind of remind me of it. The colors are really pretty too. Great review, Muse!

2 things:
1. This looks and sounds, from the description you give of consistency and how it applies best with fingers, right down to the pot size and style, like a dupe or almost-dupe for an Avon mousse eyeshadow that came out maybe around 2004 that made my FAVORITE shade of mauve ever and in all my years of searching I have not found a powder, pressed or loose, to match it (UD Bordello comes closest but it’s got that dumb gold glitter, otherwise I’d call it a day[dupe] and stop searching). I have my fingers crossed that Soiree might be The One.
2. Muse I LOVE the way you look with the darker shadows, you have this great smoldering gaze going on with those lovely death-by-chocolate brown eyes of yours. I have light brown eyes and my face looks better with medium-strength colors, nothing too light or dark, I’m envious of your ability to pull off that yummy dark smoky look, especially in shimmery/metallic shades. Lookin good!

yea def. brushes would be a little messy Michelle. Unsure about the Avon Dupe, been a while since I tried their shadows but hoping for ya ;-D aw thanks so much Michelle you’re too kind! Thank YOU that’s a very kind compliment you flatter me <3!

I just found this at Target today and I think it is in fact a dupe for Chanel – I compared ingredients and they are nearly identical! Going to get more next time I’m at Target! I applied Festivity (dark purple) as an eyeliner with Real Techniques’ fine liner brush and was able to build the color up and do a nice winged liner… love it! Wishing I snagged Soiree too, it definitely caught my eye… next time!